Sir Alex Ferguson has this morning ruled Nemanja Vidic out for the season with a knee injury.
The United skipper was stretchered off in Wednesday’s Champions League defeat in Basel and the injury, admittedly, did look a nasty one to those watching on.
At this morning’s press conference ahead of the home clash with Wolves, Ferguson revealed:
“It’s not unexpected but it’s still bad news. We thought it was a bad one and unfortunately he’s out for the season. He sees the specialist on Monday to work out the progress of when he has his operation. It won’t be immediately as we have to let the swelling come down. It’s a blow.”
There’s no denying Vidic’s loss is a massive blow to United’s title challenge. A 6-1 defeat at home to neighbours City forced Ferguson to go back to basics in gameweek 10. A run of 4 clean sheets in the following five fixtures coincided with his captain’s return from a calf problem and despite scoring just a single goal in each of their last seven games, United have been able to stay within touching distance of City at the summit.
Their defensive form, allied with a favourable run of upcoming fixtures, has seen many draft in members of the United back line, with Phil Jones, in particular, seeing plenty of Fantasy investment. While faith in the United defence will have been somewhat diminished by this news and transfer plans adjusted, there will still be plenty willing to reconsider alternatives.
With Rio Ferdinand established as a regular in the heart of defence once again, Fantasy managers will be hoping Jonny Evans comes to the fore, given the Irishman’s 4.4 price. Vidic’s loss is likely to lessen their stability at the back to a certain degree and Evans, therefore, would not be much of a risk at that budget price. He played in nine of United’s first team fixtures, picking up four clean sheets.
Chris Smalling and Phil Jones also stand out, at 5.2 and 6.4 respectively, and offer more adaptability than Evans. Both have already played at right-back and centre half, with Jones’ central midfield duties also in his locker and may offer the greatest chance of game time over what is set to be a hectic festive period.
